The first lines of her novels often introduce key elements. For instance, they might introduce the setting which is vital for the plot. If it's a big mansion in a remote area, like in some of her works, it sets the stage for a closed - environment mystery. They can also introduce a character's state of mind which can be a driving force in the plot.
The Christmas settings create a sense of warmth and festivity at first. But then, the mysteries that unfold within this setting add a contrast. For example, in 'The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding', the Christmas party and the pudding are part of the cozy setting, but then there's a mystery to solve which creates an uneasy mood against the backdrop of celebration.
Quotes from her novels often add an air of mystery. For example, lines like 'Evil is not something superhuman, it's something less than human.' from one of her works set a dark and foreboding tone. They make the reader aware that there are hidden depths and secrets in the story.
Well, in many novels, the plot line directly reflects the theme. For example, in 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell, the plot where the pigs gradually take over and become as corrupt as the humans they once rebelled against is a clear illustration of the theme of power corrupting. The plot developments show how the ideals of the revolution are betrayed.
They can start to establish the conflict. For instance, in '1984', the second line might start to introduce the oppressive atmosphere which is a major part of the overall conflict of the individual against the totalitarian state.
Famous first lines often introduce key themes. Consider '1984' starting with 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' This odd time - keeping immediately hints at the dystopian world where things are not as they should be, introducing the theme of a disrupted and controlled society.
Final lines can also leave an open - ended feeling. Consider the last line of 'The Catcher in the Rye' - 'Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.' It makes the reader wonder about the narrator's future and his growth. It adds a touch of mystery and ambiguity to the overall meaning. Moreover, final lines can be a kind of moral or message. Like in 'Animal Farm' where it says 'The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.' This last line drives home the point about how power can corrupt and how the oppressed can become the oppressors, which is a central theme of the novel.
They set a standard for the use of a confined space in mystery. By using an island, she limits the possible locations and suspects, yet still manages to create a complex web of mystery. This makes other mystery writers take note of how to effectively use a restricted setting.
Well, many of the first lines in Agatha Christie novels are quite intriguing. Take 'And Then There Were None'. The opening line gives an air of mystery and a bit of foreboding. It makes you wonder who these people are that are being gathered. It's a great way to start a mystery novel as it starts to build the suspense right from the very beginning. Christie was a master at using the first lines to pull the reader into her web of mystery.
The second lines contribute by providing more context. In a historical novel, it might give details about the time period like 'The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder, a remnant of the recent battle.' This helps the reader understand the backdrop. Moreover, it can introduce the conflict. If the first line sets the stage, the second can hint at the problem. In a love story, the second line could say 'But she knew their love was doomed from the start.' This foreshadows the challenges the couple will face.
The last lines can seal the deal in terms of the overall impact. For example, if the last line is a cliffhanger, it might make the reader want to reread or think more deeply. In some cases, like in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', the last line 'He turned out the light and went into Jem's room. He would be there all night, and he would be there when Jem waked up in the morning.' gives a sense of Atticus's love and protection for Jem. It adds to the overall warmth and moral message of the book.